Entertainment
2024 Grammy Nominations: Nigerian Artists Make History
Nigerian artists, Burna Boy, Olamide, and Ayra Starr achieved significant milestones after the 66th Grammy Awards nominations were revealed.
Burna Boy, with four nominations, now holds the record for the Nigerian artist with the most Grammy nominations. He has a total of 10 nominations already.
In another noteworthy feat, Burna Boy has secured the distinction of being the first Nigerian artist to receive Grammy nominations for five consecutive years (2019-2023).
Additionally, his track ‘Sittin’ On Top of The World’ is the pioneering African song nominated in the Rap category, specifically in the Best Melodic Rap Performance.
The track ‘Sittin’ On Top of The World’ by Burna Boy will compete for the honor alongside Doja Cat’s ‘Attention,’ Drake & 21 Savage’s ‘Spin Bout U,’ SZA’s ‘Low,’ and Lil Durk and J. Cole’s ‘All My Life.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Olamide has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian rapper to secure a Grammy nomination.
Olamide and Asake’s joint effort, ‘Amapiano,’ clinched a nomination in the newly established Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys. The track faces competition from Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys,’ and Tyla’s ‘Water.’
Adding to the accolades, Ayra Starr, aged 21, has become the youngest Nigerian to secure a Grammy nomination.
Her chart-topping single ‘Rush’ is in the running for the inaugural Best African Music Performance award at the 66th Grammys.
The 2023 Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles ended in disappointment for Burna Boy, who left without a win.
Tems, with her contribution to ‘Wait for U’ by Future featuring Drake, claimed the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ category.
Adding to the setbacks, Burna Boy missed out on two more awards. South Africa’s Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini & Nomcebo Zikode won the Best Global Music Performance, surpassing Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last.’
Furthermore, the Best Global Music Album award went to Japan’s Masa Takumi, leaving Burna Boy’s “Love Damini” unrewarded.
Entertainment
Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives
Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
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The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.
Entertainment
Actor John Dumelo Makes Political Debut, Wins Parliamentary Seat
Ghanaian actor-turned-politician, John Dumelo has secured a victory in the 2024 general elections, winning the parliamentary seat for Ayawaso West Wuogon.
Running on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dumelo triumphed with 40,561 votes, defeating incumbent Lydia Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 27,377 votes.
Dumelo’s victory follows a narrow loss to Alhassan in the 2020 elections, making this win a significant political milestone.
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Speaking after his victory, the 40-year-old expressed deep gratitude to his supporters and reflected on the lessons learned from his past defeat.
“The people of Ghana have been calling for change, and they’ve shown that if you don’t perform well or if you’re arrogant, they will vote you out,” Dumelo stated.
“This is a valuable lesson for everyone. It’s not about money; it’s about the development of the people and addressing their needs.”
Dumelo, who began his acting career in 1991 with the film Baby Thief, is well-known for his roles in popular Ghollywood and Nollywood productions such as Away Bus, The Game, Black Men Rock, One Night In Vegas, The King is Mine, and Four Play.
His transition from actor to politician has garnered significant attention, with many hoping he will bring a fresh perspective to parliamentary work.
In his victory speech, Dumelo pledged to work tirelessly over the next four years to address the needs of his constituents and help steer the country in the right direction.
Entertainment
How Male Celebrities Shine At Funke Akindele’s Movie Premiere
The much-anticipated movie premiere by Nollywood star and filmmaker Funke Akindele turned into a dazzling showcase of style and flair as some of the industry’s leading male celebrities stepped out in grand fashion.
Themed Lagos Afterparty, the event was nothing short of a spectacle. Attendees embraced the vibrant, nightlife-inspired dress code, bringing an electrifying energy to the red carpet. From bold suits to statement accessories, the stars proved they were ready to own the night.
As the cameras flashed, fans online couldn’t stop raving about the impressive ensembles. One post captured the moment perfectly: “Take a look at how some of your favorite male celebrities brought their A-game!”
Funke Akindele, known for her creativity and ability to host unforgettable events, once again demonstrated why she’s a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her premiere wasn’t just about the movie but also a celebration of Lagos’s vibrant culture, reflected in the theme that inspired the night’s looks.
With the mix of star power, fashion-forward statements, and Funke Akindele’s magic touch, this premiere undoubtedly sets the tone for events to come.